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Lauderhill approves up to $100,000 in fee waivers for Major League Cricket events
Summary
City commission unanimously approved waiving up to $100,000 — roughly one-third of a $290,412 request — to support Major League Cricket matches in Lauderhill; officials asked organizers for economic-impact data and county contributions.
The Lauderhill City Commission voted unanimously June 30 to waive up to $100,000 in city fees and staffing costs to support Major League Cricket matches at Central Broward Regional Park and related international games this summer.
Organizers asked the city to waive permitting fees, parking-lot rental for the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC), and costs associated with police and fire staffing. City Manager Kenny Hobbs told the commission the total request was $290,412: $10,575 for permitting (a soft cost processed by existing staff), $19,055 for LPAC parking-rental opportunity cost, and $260,783 for police and EMS staffing. Hobbs proposed waiving one third of the total staffing request and fully waiving permitting fees, recommending an overall city contribution capped at $100,000.
Representatives of Major League Cricket and Cricket West Indies described the matches as part of a long-term plan to grow the sport in the U.S. and cited projected regional economic impact and broadcast exposure; they said the three July 1–6 Major League Cricket matches and the international West Indies–Pakistan fixtures (July 31–Aug. 3) are expected to bring visitors and spending to the area. Organizers said ticket sales had been slower than hoped (roughly 1,000 tickets per match so far) but expected a spike for the July 4 matches.
Commissioners and staff asked organizers for detailed local economic-impact data and asked staff to seek proportional participation from Broward County and Broward Sheriff’s Office, which provides interior park policing; several commissioners observed that the event’s timing — with matches starting the next day — made a full review difficult and asked for clearer documentation of county contributions and local vendor participation.
Hobbs said the city previously waived some fees for international matches in 2023 and asked that future requests follow a consistent policy so staff and the commission can evaluate fiscal impacts relative to community benefit.
The commission approved the staff recommendation to waive permitting fees, not to waive LPAC rental fees (because the lot generates enterprise revenue), and to cap the city’s contribution at $100,000. The vote was 5–0.
Ending
Organizers said they will provide more detailed economic and community-impact metrics to city staff; the city asked that Broward County and other partners share cost responsibilities for large regional events.
